The Complexity of Nonprofit Leadership: Serving Many, Leading Well
Reflections from a Wise Women and Good Men conversation with Debra Suh and Mark Waterson
Nonprofit leaders face a unique challenge. They answer not only to staff and boards, but also to donors, foundations, community partners, clients, and government agencies. Each stakeholder brings different expectations, priorities, and pressures.
During the May episode of Wise Women and Good Men: Leaders on Leadership conversation, I spoke with Debra Suh, CEO of the YWCA Glendale & Pasadena, and Mark Waterson, CEO of the Convalescent Aid Society, about what it takes to lead effectively in today’s nonprofit environment. Their insights highlighted several lessons that apply far beyond the nonprofit sector.
Purpose Drives Leadership
Neither Debra nor Mark followed a traditional path into nonprofit leadership.
Debra began her career as an attorney serving immigrant communities. While legal advocacy was important, she wanted to address challenges before people reached a crisis point. That desire led her into nonprofit leadership and a focus on prevention, education, and community impact.
Mark’s journey was almost accidental. What started as a temporary position in a nonprofit organization became a calling, shaped by meaningful mentorship and a deep commitment to serving others.
Their stories serve as a reminder that leadership often begins with purpose rather than planning.
Mission Must Guide Decisions
One of the biggest challenges nonprofit leaders face is balancing competing stakeholder interests.
Funders may have one set of priorities. Boards may have another. Community needs may suggest something different altogether.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of remaining anchored to an organization’s mission, vision, and values. While leaders cannot satisfy every request, they can make decisions that remain true to the purpose of the organization.
Debra compared nonprofit leadership to a soccer team. Every player has a different role, but success depends on everyone working toward the same goal. Strategic planning and measurable objectives help keep stakeholders aligned, even during periods of uncertainty and change.
Change Requires Communication
Today’s leaders face constant change—from economic pressures and shifting donor landscapes to evolving community needs.
For Debra, effective change leadership starts with communication. People need to understand why change is happening and how they can contribute to the process. Leaders must communicate often, involve those affected, and collaborate whenever possible.
Mark shared how strategic planning guided the Convalescent Aid Society’s expansion into new communities while helping the organization stay focused on its mission despite rising costs and increasing demand for services.
As both leaders noted, change becomes easier when people understand where they are headed.
Authenticity Matters
When asked what quality is most important for aspiring nonprofit CEOs, Mark pointed to authenticity.
As a self-described introvert, noting that many leaders are extroverts, he learned that effective leadership isn’t about copying someone else’s style. It is about understanding who you are and leading in a way that reflects your values and strengths. People recognize authenticity, and trust grows when leaders show up consistently and genuinely.
Debra echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of becoming comfortable with one’s own power and learning how to share it. Strong organizations develop leaders at every level rather than concentrating authority in one person.
A Final Thought
One observation stayed with me long after our conversation ended: leadership is ultimately about relationships.
Whether understanding and delivering to multiple stakeholders, managing conflict, raising funds, leading change, or serving a community, success depends on trust, communication, and a clear sense of purpose.
The challenges facing nonprofits today are significant. Yet leaders like Debra Suh and Mark Waterson demonstrate that when organizations remain grounded in their mission, lead with authenticity, and commit to collaboration, they can continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. The full conversation can be heard here.
